"Here's how you can help The Big Tree at Goose Island State Park in Rockport" via Caller Times

TEXAS PARKS & WILDLIFE IS SEEKING PUBLIC INPUT AND INTEREST IN THE BIG TREE PARK EXPANSION AND PUBLIC ACCESS.
Changes are coming to about 80 acres adjacent to the Big Tree, which became part of Goose Island State Park several years ago.

And Texas Parks & Wildlife officials want input from the public on how to proceed with development plans around the iconic coastal live oak, estimated to be more than 1,000 years old.

Public meeting scheduled Aug. 1

An abandoned houses sit on the property as well as a small airplane hangar, complete with landing strip.

VIDEO

Certified arborists from Austin gathered at Goose Island State Park in Rockport to tend to Big Tree and give treat it with the best possible care on Friday.

This is a revised plan of proposed developments on the Big Tree property, but this is not the final plan.(Photo: Courtesy TPWD)

The Big Tree Ranch area in Aransas County is considered critical habitat for whooping cranes next to Goose Island State Park. Texas Parks & Wildlife purchased the land several years ago, using $2 million from an oil spill settlement.

The department has scheduled a public meeting from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Aug. 1 at the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension office at 892 Airport Road, in Rockport.

The is the second public meeting. Much input was gathered at the original meeting. Department officials plan to reveal a revised plan, based, in part, on feedback from the public.

Following the presentation will be a question and answer period. Comments and questions also may be submitted until Sept. 1 by mail, phone, or email to the following addresses:

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